Nutritional Value of Bananas
Besides its YUM factor, banana is a power house of nutrients. All its nutritional values and health benefits are preserved in a natural way by its peel. Banana is easily digestible and has many health benefits to offer.

Potassium: A single medium sized banana contains approximately 467 mg of potassium and only a negligible 1 mg of sodium. Potassium is important for regulating blood pressure and decreasing the risk of high blood pressure and its related conditions.

Calcium: Rich in calcium, 100 g bananas is capable of supplying the body with 5 mg of calcium. Calcium is essential for the formation, as well as upkeep of strong bones and teeth, and for the smooth functioning of neurotransmitter release and muscle contraction.

Carbohydrates: Bananas are very high on energy, and are usually eaten when one seeks an instant flush of energy. This is because a 100 g of bananas contains 22.84 g of carbohydrates, 12.23 g sugars and 2.6 g of dietary fiber. Though slightly higher for a diabetic, it makes for an easily digestible source of energy.

Vitamin C: A dietary intake of 100gms of banana will provide the body with nearly 8.7mg of vitamin C. This vitamin protects the body against oxidative stress and malnutrition. A powerful antioxidant helps the body control all free radicals.

Vitamin B6 : A water soluble vitamin, essential for the smooth functioning of the nervous system, boosting the immune system and fighting infection. One serving of 225 g will give the body 0.8 mg of vitamin B6.

Other Vitamins: Essential vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin K, folate, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, etc are all present in the bananas. These vitamins help in the formation of blood, and perform other activities in the body to keep its fitness levels on an all time high.

Other Minerals: Iron, magnesium, phosphorus, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium and fluoride are all found in the banana. Each of these minerals help different body functions and boost the immune system.

Banana Health Benefits
Health benefits of bananas are many. They help in controlling diarrhea and soothe an upset stomach. Their antacid effects protect the stomach against stomach ulcers and its related damages. According to a study published in the Archives of Ophthalmology, eating a serving of banana daily may lower your risk of macular degeneration (ARMD).

Being a rich source of the compound prebiotic, bananas help the body to produce vitamins and digestive enzymes, that absorb nutrients and fight against unfriendly microorganisms. The high magnesium content is used as quick-fix source of alleviating fatigue. Fiber in it helps to lower the cholesterol level in the body. A good level of Vitamin B6 helps with brain functions. Read more on banana nutrition facts.

Banana Calories
Calories in banana are approximately about 90 to 93 calories per 100 g. Thus, it can be effectively used for both, weight gain as well as weight loss. Eating three to five bananas a day with milk or yogurt is recommended for weight gain, whereas eating banana in a lessor quantity gives the feeling of fullness. As it is high in water content, it hydrates the body well, without depraving it of vital nutrients. This helps in weight loss. However, one should only eat the fruit, and not its chips or sugar coated candies.

High nutritional value of banana helps with many health related issues. The soft creamy taste is waiting to be savored by you, and with over a hundred varieties, and all edible, one can be easily spoilt for choice